The internship programme at the National Institute of Genetics (SOKENDAI) went beyond anything i had expected. It provided an opportunity for me to experience research as it is done on the highest levels. The programme provided a level of guidance, equipment and autonomy that hitherto I had never experienced.

　As a member of the Hiromi Laboratory I was engaged in original research on a model system with which I was not familiar. My work was primarily on the effects of physical forces on tissue growth using Drosophila melanogaster. This though was only short lived problem as very soon the guidance, extensive knowledge and enthusiasm of the labs members let me get a handle on the required techniques as well as helped troubleshoot any problems that came up as the experiments progressed. At any point I was free to question them about how to best interpret a result, modify a protocol or test a hypothesis with each question being received with patience and each answer being given with due rigour.

　Apart from the lab itself NIG also hosted speakers from all over the world who through their lectures provided insights into the cutting edge of research in biology. The internship even included visits to sister institutions as well as international conferences where we were able to meet some of the leading figures in current research.

　We were also given the opportunity to experience Japan as a country. To be immersed in its culture and language. We were given weekly instruction in the Japanese language, something that proved worth its weight in gold as we explored the country. Our free time was spent exploring the beautiful countryside, trying out the local cuisine (which is delicious and taught us how to use chopsticks) and meeting some of the nicest and most helpful people on the planet.

　The 3 months in Japan have been some of my best both in their impact on me academically as well as personally. They have furthered my understanding of what it is to be a scientist and broadened my understanding of people and cultures. I will forever be indebted to NIG for this experience.

Hiromi Laboratory